“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
So the saying goes, and so the sentiment is reinforced every time news is received of the untimely passing of a loved one, friend, or even a celebrity or complete stranger. You just never know what goes on beneath the façade. Especially in this day and age of social media and what some might consider too much “sharing,” it is striking to note that the public profile rarely matches the internal struggle for many.
So Operation: Explore NYC on Foot was a success. Mostly. This time, we decided to mix a little mass transit in to maximize our time spent experiencing the cultural offerings. You would think that would have eliminated some of the mileage; but, at day’s end, my handy app determined that we had still somehow managed to cover 25,695 steps, or 10.71 miles. Just a walk in the park.
Literally.
Expanding upon my adventuring-into-NYC theme from last week, clearly, I prefer to get around on foot. Sure, weather can be a factor, or time, but as long as it’s somewhat feasible, walking the city streets can be one of the more enjoyable aspects of exploring Manhattan. Assuming, that is, you have the proper footwear.
Do I speak from personal experience? Why, of course I do.
500. It’s a pretty big number. Nearly ten years’ worth of weekly columns under the moniker “In Step,” a title suggested by my dear friend, co-worker and “agent” of sorts, since passed, Peter Schleifer. It was meant to be a take off on my - at that point - 13 years of dancing and the idea that, somehow, I could find a way to engage our weekly readership with my random ramblings and musings on life.
Confucius said, "The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." Such is the principle of proactivity based upon, of taking small steps to advance great lengths, ultimately. The key, of course, it to begin the process.
Let me start off by saying, accidents happen. We all have our moments of distraction on the road. Add to that heightened tension due to weather conditions (even if said conditions don’t happen to be a factor at the time, but we’re giving the benefit of the doubt here), and the forces of human nature mixed with Mother Nature sometimes create catastrophic results.
I have a beach blanket; well, to be clear, it’s more of a moving blanket that has admirably served its purpose on the beach, the grass…pretty much anywhere it’s been needed over the last year and a half. Until last Monday.
Discovering The Passion To Do What You Love … This is the topic I selected for my upcoming presentation at the annual C.W. Post Honors Conference, a one-day schedule of seminars and panels, lectures and performances, all centered around a common theme, this year’s being Creative Engagement.
As I prepare to host my very first holiday gathering – well, any gathering really – in my new apartment this Christmas Eve, I cannot help but reflect upon the many wonderful memories from past celebrations, most of which took place in the comfort and warmth of Grandma and Grandpa’s house.
With the passing of my grandmother earlier this year, there was an immediate sense that this holiday season would be a bit different.
Goodbyes are never easy. In fact, they may be among the most difficult tasks we are forced to contend with in life, as we become so used to having those we love surround us, as a part of our world. And when they leave, well, that world comes crumbling down.
I remember the moment like it was yesterday. Among the sea of caps and gowns, over the illustrious strains of Pomp & Circumstance… there he was, James Gandolfini, sitting one row behind my family at my college graduation. I could hear the buzz building behind me, as people started to notice. Why is he here? Is he speaking? Does he know someone who’s graduating?
The fact that a celebrity was sitting among us was clearly the highlight for the thousand or so graduates on that day, some nine years ago, on the C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University.